north korean artillery aids russian forces amid shortages
The Russians are increasingly utilizing M-1989 "Koksan" howitzers received from North Korea, a fact underscored by their destruction by Ukrainian forces. We highlight the performance of this artillery system and the attack against it.
The 413th "Raid" Unmanned Systems Forces unit of Ukraine identified and destroyed an M-1989 "Koksan" howitzer. This nighttime operation was executed using the "Vampire" drone, a moniker for "Baba Yaga" type bombing drones equipped with thermal cameras.
In the video below, three bombs are seen dropping on the Koksan, likely wiping out the crew. Unfortunately, the footage ends after the attack, leaving it unclear whether a subsequent fire, such as one involving propellant charges, or an explosion of transported ammunition occurred.
without kim, russian artillery could falter
The Russians currently face substantial challenges with barrel artillery. Their domestic barrel production capabilities fall short of their needs, and they have exhausted the cannibalization of systems in storage, as evidenced by satellite images showing rows of inoperative towed howitzers without barrels.
Consequently, Russia is reaching out to the DPRK for assistance. This is illustrated by examples such as their use of M-46 howitzers with a 130 mm caliber and D-74s, which were relatively scarce in Russia, alongside the deployment of North Korea's most powerful howitzers, the M-1989 "Koksan," on the front lines. This situation underscores Russia's reliance on Kim, following ammunition supplies that account for up to 60 percent of Russia's demand.
M-1989 "Koksan" - north korea's formidable artillery, a competitor to Krab
The North Korean M-1989 "Koksan" howitzers, similar in concept to the 2S7 Pion howitzers, are armed with a 170 mm caliber gun roughly 36 feet long, mounted on a modified tank chassis from the T-54/55 family, producing a 40-ton howitzer with remarkable firepower.
The "Koksan" potentially fires shells weighing between 132 to 220 pounds over a distance of 25 miles, and with a rocket booster, up to 37 miles. Despite its accuracy not being a strong point, the system can deliver significant damage with shells containing dozens of pounds of TNT. Originally designed as a cost-effective means to shell Seoul from hidden positions in the rocks, precision is less critical than firepower when targeting a city with this weapon of terror.
The "Koksan" has an estimated firing rate of 1-2 rounds every five minutes and requires a crew of six soldiers. Although outdated, it remains effective with sustained shelling. It is currently among the few systems in Russia's arsenal capable of offering a range comparable to modern Western 155 mm solutions, such as the German PzH-2000 self-propelled guns or Polish Krabs.
